Wes Atwood: How to shape an enthusiastic employee

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

CORPUS CHRISTI - Q: A couple of months ago we hired two employees. They have the potential to be great assets to our team with their ideas and personality. However, some of our clients and team have voiced that one of our new employees is too "laid back." I know he is bright and cares about his work, but he doesn't seem to be projecting that to our clients and team. How can I create more enthusiasm?

A: You say he has great ideas, cares about doing good work and has a good personality. Sounds like a good employee. Of course, even if he's doing his work, there could be problems with his mellowness. Is he in danger of being passed over for promotions or better assignments because he's not "high-energy?"

I would sit down with him on two occasions for different conversations:

Talk to him. While most employers do a good job at vocalizing their skills and talents in an interview, we often leave it there. You need to get inside his head to see what motivates him. A great way is to have coffee or lunch with him. During this conversation, ask questions such as:

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What is your favorite pastime?

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your life?

What was your favorite college course?

How do feel you are doing with your clients?

Are you comfortable with the team and your job?

You're trying to discover what will help foster better relations with the team and clients. You see the potential in him, but how come others don't see it yet. Questions like this will help you gain insight on what he is thinking.

Explain company politics. Every company has its politics and your employee may not know he is being cast in a bad light in the political arena. Explain to him how he's perceived and what it might mean for his future. Furthermore, from the previous meeting, he knows you see the potential in him and will want to step up his skills to grow within in the company.

Wes Atwood is president of Dale Carnegie Training of South Texas, which includes Corpus Christi, Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. For more tips visit corpuschristi.dalecarnegie.com.

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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